Birmingham City Women v Bristol City Women

BIRMINGHAM CITY WOMEN V BRISTOL CITY WOMEN | WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 – 7PM

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
2

Club Directory
Chairman of the Board:
Thomas Wagner
On the Board: Thomas Wagner,
Matthew Alvarez, Andrew Shannahan,
Kyle Kneisly, Wenqing Zhao
& Gannan Zheng
Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy Dale
Chief Financial Officer: Mark Smith
Honorary Vice-President:
Mike Wiseman
Advisory Board Chairman: Tom Brady
INSIDE YOUR
PROGRAMME
BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
Football Management
Women’s Technical Director:
Hope Powell CBE
Women’s Head Coach: Amy Merricks
Women’s Assistant Head Coaches
Chelsea Noonan and Jay Bradford
Lead Goalkeeping Coach: Jon Ritchie
Analyst: Calvin Strong
Head of Recruitment: Ed Filmer
--
Women’s General Manager:
Sarah Westwood
Women’s Operations Manager:
Kyle Adams
Kit Manager: Niall Barry
Safeguarding Officer: Paul Dempsey
Physiotherapist: Ella Davies-Smith
--
Doctor: Robin Middleburgh
--
Physical Performance Coach:
Jack Kehoe
Nutritionist: Milly Boorman
Sports Therapist: Jess Banks
Sports Scientist: Dan Blakey
Performance Psychologist:
Siubhean Crowne
The Programme
Editor: Tristan Hall
Words: Tristan Hall , Ignition Sport
Photography: Richard Hammersley,
Dan Jolly, Getty Images
Design:
Ignition Sports Media Ltd, Dan Thompson
Printed by Stephens & George
Produced by Ignition Sports Media
www.ignitionsportsmedia.com
lee.berry@ignitionsportsmedia.com
Printed by Stephens & George Print Group
18
FINDING HER FEET: LIBBY BANCE
Blues News catches up with Libby Bance ahead of a tough test
in the shape of Bristol City in the Subway Women’s League Cup.
22
THE BLUES AT HOME
Blues News takes a look at the Blues home record so far this season
in what has been a lively start in front of goal.
Contact
Address: St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Cattell Road, Birmingham B9 4RL
Telephone: 0121 772 0101 (Ticket Office, option 1. Commercial & Hospitality,
option 2. Conferences & Events, option 3 / Blues Store, option 4. Birmingham
City Foundation, option 5. Finance, option 6. Reception, option 7)
Website: BCFC.com
X: @BCFC / @BCFCWomen / @BCFCAcademy
@BCFCTickets / @BCFCEnquiries @BCFCCommunity
Facebook: Birmingham City FC / Birmingham City Women
Instagram: @BCFC / @BCFCWomen TikTok: @BCFC / @BCFCWomen
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM HEAD COACH
AMY MERRICKS
G
ood evening, Bluenoses, and
welcome back to St.
Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
for tonight’s Subway Women’s League
Cup opener against Bristol City.
We come into this game off the back
of a positive result at the weekend,
with our 4-2 win over Newcastle here
on Sunday. There was a lot to like
about our performance, particularly
the way we attacked with purpose and
took our chances when they came.
At the same time, we know there are
areas to work on, and our second half
performance was not where we need
to be if we’re going to reach our full
potential this season.
Tonight brings a different challenge
as we switch focus to the League
Cup. These games are important for
us as a group, not just because we
want to progress in the competition,
but because they give us more
opportunities to keep building our
identity and testing ourselves against
opposition from both WSL2 and
the WSL. Bristol are a side we know
well having played them already this
season; they’ll be looking to right the
wrongs from last time out and will
provide a good test under the lights.
As always, our focus is on ourselves.
We perform to win, and we know we
have to earn the right in everything
we do. The group are hungry to keep
the momentum going, and this fixture
gives us the chance to do exactly that.
Finally, thank you once again for your
support. The atmosphere you created
on Sunday drove the players forward,
and it makes a huge difference to
have you behind us, whether in the
league or the cup. We’ll need that
same energy again tonight as we look
to keep pushing towards our goals.
Enjoy the game.
Keep Right On,
Amy Merricks
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
ACADEMY STAR…
MOLLY
WEAVER
Q: How would you describe your
playing style in 3 words?
A: Direct, Creative and attacking
Q: Who’s been the biggest
influence on your career so far?
A: My dad mainly, he takes me to all
football and he’s very football driven!
Q: What’s been your best moment
in a Blues shirt?
A: Winning the Cup last year!
Q: Which first team player do you
look up to most and why?
A: I really like Lucy Quinn. When I’ve
trained up with her, she’s just so good.
She can play such different positions
and she’s also a forward like me. She’s
very diverse with how she can play.
Q: What are your personal goals for
the rest of the season?
A: Score goals and be successful.
Finish high up in the league and
hopefully win the Cup again.
Q: Any pre-match rituals or
superstitions?
A: For matches I’ll only wear long
socks. I like to be quiet before
matches, I’ll put my headphones in
and just listen to that.
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
GET TO KNOW…
OCÉANE
HURTRÉ
Your football idol? Cristiano Ronaldo
Your favourite holiday
destination? Greece
Your favourite takeaway food?
Lebanese food
The funniest teammate? Lucy Quinn
What do you eat before a match?
Pasta and chicken
What made you want to play
football? Being able to inspire people,
win trophies, do what I love every day,
and discover new things
If you weren’t a footballer, what
would you be? Business girl or
personal fitness coach
Besides football, what’s your
favourite sport? Basketball and Tennis
Favourite drink? Raspberry Ice Tea
Matchday superstitions? Left foot
first on the pitch with my cross
Favourite artist? SDM (French rapper)
Favourite restaurant?
Siena, Italian in Paris
Favorite movie? Harry Potter
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
BLUES
REMEMBER
On Sunday, ahead of our WSL2 fixture with Newcastle
United, St. Andrew’s fell silent as players, staff and
supporters joined together to remember Matt Beard and
Maddy Cusack, reflecting on the impact both had within
the wider football family.
8
MATT BEARD
Everyone at Birmingham City
was deeply saddened to
learn of the passing of Matt
Beard on Saturday evening.
He was just 47 years old.
Matt was one of the most
respected figures in the
women’s game, enjoying
a managerial career that
took him to Millwall, Chelsea,
Liverpool, West Ham, Bristol
City, and most recently
Burnley. He twice guided
Liverpool Women to the WSL
title and was admired not only
for his achievements on the
pitch, but for the kindness
and care he showed to those
around him.
Above all, Matt was a devoted
husband and father. The
outpouring of tributes from
across football over the
weekend speaks volumes
about the man he was and
the lives he touched.
Although he was never
directly part of Birmingham
City, the football family is
one, and tonight we pause to
remember him together.
Our thoughts are with Matt’s
wife Debbie, his children, and
all who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace.

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
MADDY CUSACK
Last weekend marked
two years since the
passing of Maddy
Cusack, a hugely
respected and muchloved
figure in the
women’s game.
Maddy joined Birmingham
City in 2017 from Aston Villa
and was a positive presence
within Marc Skinner’s squad
before moving on the
following season.
Though her life was
tragically cut short at
just 27, Maddy’s legacy
endures in the people
she inspired and the fond
memories she left behind.
Our thoughts remain with
her family and friends.
She was admired not
only for her talent and
dedication, but for her
warmth, kindness, and
the encouragement she
gave to those around
her. Maddy’s influence
continues to be felt
through the players she
inspired and the affection
in which she is still held
across football.
Though two years have
now passed, her memory
remains very much alive.
Our thoughts are with her
family, friends, and all who
continue to feel her loss.
AMY MERRICKS
(Speaking pre-Newcastle)
“Devastating. I’m
still lost for words, a
lot of people are in
our changing room.
An incredible man.
We had the pleasure
of him coming to
a friendly at ours
a month ago, and
I have really fond
memories of that
moment.”
“Across the board,
what an amazing guy.
I think today is by far,
more than a game of
football. It’s for Matt
and it’s for Maddy. No
one should have to go
to that extent and our
thoughts are with both
of their families.”
“We play for them.
Maddy again such
a loss to be losing
people in our football
world and we need to
do more.”
If you have been
affected by any of
the issues raised in
this article, please
remember support
is available. The
Samaritans are there
to listen 24 hours a
day, free of charge,
on 116 123 or online at
samaritans.org
9

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
AROUND THE GROUNDS
12
A
lthough sides competing in the
UEFA Champions League are not
involved in the group rounds of
the rebranded Subway Women’s League
Cup, there are plenty of standout ties
from the regional groups this evening to
whet the appetite.
Four-time winners of the competition
Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea in
last season’s showpiece at Derby County’s
Pride Park Stadium, begin with a home clash
against Everton in one of just two all-WSL
ties. The other sees Tottenham Hotspur, who
have won two of their opening three games
this season, against winless Aston Villa.
Other intriguing contests see a couple of
London derbies to provide some added spice
to the occasion. WSL 2 high-fliers Charlton
Athletic, who have conceded just once in their
opening three games, may fancy their chances
of an upset on home soil against last season’s
semi-finalists West Ham. The pointless
Hammers have haemorrhaged 10 goals in their
opening outings of the 2025/26 season.
In Group D Crystal Palace will face fellow
capital club London City Lionesses. The pair
Chelsea won the trophy last year
traded places last term, as the Eagles were
grounded to the foot of the top-flight with
just two wins all season to face relegation,
while London City won the WSL 2 title and
have already registered an historic first-ever
victory at that level.
Further landmarks will also be made this
evening as both Nottingham Forest and
Ipswich Town embrace first-ever fixtures
in the competition, with Carl Davies’ Reds
hosting Newcastle United in Group A and
the Suffolk newcomers on home soil against
Leicester City.
Elsewhere, quarter-finalists in last year’s
competition will look to get this year’s
tournament off on a winning note. Durham
Women, who eventually bowed out to
Chelsea last January, welcome winless
Sheffield United to Maiden Castle, while
Brighton travel along the south coast to
rivals Portsmouth in Group C.
It’s sure to be an emotionally charged
evening on Merseyside as Liverpool host
Sunderland following the death of former
Reds manager Matt Beard last Saturday at
the age of 47. He guided the Reds to WSL

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
City ended their Cup campaigin in a 2-1 defeat in the Final against Chelsea
THIS
EVENING’S
OTHER
FIXTURES:
Manchester City Women v Everton Women
Nott’m Forest Women v Newcastle Women
Durham Women v Sheffield United Women
Liverpool Women v Sunderland Women
Charlton Ath Women v West Ham Women
Portsmouth Women v Brighton &
Hove Albion Women
Crystal Palace Women v London
City Lionesses
Ipswich Town Women v Leicester City Women
Tottenham Women v Aston Villa Women
titles in 2013 and 2014 and was an iconic
figure in the women’s game.
Current Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor
spoke of his admiration for the legacy Beard
leaves behind, saying: “I had big shoes to
fill when I came in here, and I was really
supported by Matt. He phoned me on a
number of occasions. What a guy – you never
fell out with him.
“He took Liverpool to the real heights of the
game. The most decorated women’s manager
for Liverpool and I think that is only half of
the story. The other half is the void he will
leave as a person.
“He served all of his clubs really, really well
and definitely left an impression. As a person,
as a coach, as an employee of a club, that’s
what you look for – to try and leave an
impression, and you hope it’s a good one.
It certainly was with Matt. He left so many
memories for people to hold on to.”
13

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
ROBINS REVENGE
T
he
Robins were left
red faced as well
as red chested
after a 5-1 thrashing by
Blues on the Women’s Super
League 2 opening weekend
but have provided the
perfect riposte.
Despite the capitulation at
St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead
Park, fledgling Head Coach
Charlotte Healy has been
impressed with the resolve
and character her newly
assembled side have shown
in bouncing back.
The former Manchester
United Women Assistant
Coach spoke of her pride to
The Bristol Post after backto-back
wins against south
coast sides Portsmouth and
Southampton, saying: “I’m
really proud of the group
because that first game was
really tough. To concede
five goals in the manner we
did, to then go into the next
two games and achieve two
clean-sheets, that’s a real
positive. I’m really proud of
the backline because that
opening season defeat was a
really tough day for them, and
they’ve worked really hard.
“The game on Wednesday will
be different. It’s the Subway
Cup, a midweek game, and
then we’ve got three games
in six days. We’re going to
have to use all of our squad,
and Birmingham will probably
do the same. The game
will look different for sure,
but whatever game it is,
whatever competition it is,
we want to go and make a
good account of ourselves.”
Bristol City, who finished
sixth in WSL 2 last season,
were taken over this month
by Mercury13. The new
owners are expected to bring
fresh investment to the
Ashton Gate outfit, with the
ultimate aim to stabilise in
the top-flight after yo-yoing
between divisions over the
past decade.
Healy has already been
backed with a major
recruitment drive during the
off-season. Arguably the
highest profile arrival was
the return of former captain
and Player of the Year Sophie
Ingle after a decade away.
The commanding 33-year-old
provides a glut of experience
and a winning mentality
following a trophy-laden
seven years at Chelsea.
In addition to the Wales
captain further experience
is provided by Champions
League-winning midfielder
Vicky Losada, the Spaniard
taking the armband this term
after fulfilling a similar role
for Brighton, while Algeria’s
Marine Defeur is a natural left
sider and will work alongside
two-time Championship
promotion winner Emily Syme.
Further boosts to the
attacking armoury include
Maltese forward Maria
Farrugia who impressed at
Sheffield United, former
Scottish Cup winner with
Rangers Rio Hardy and
Impact substitute Lexi Lloyd-
Smith who has scored in her
last two outings.
Teenage midfielder Vera
Jones has been borrowed
for the new campaign from
Chelsea, Jessica Ziu has been
loaned from West Ham and
England Under-17 striker Olivia
Johnson is on a one-season
sabbatical from Brighton.
The backline has also had a
facelift. Scotland Under-23
Emily Mutch arrived from
Motherwell to battle former
Young Player of the Year
Fran Bentley for the gloves.
Authoritative centre-back
Gemma Lawley departed Blues
after seven years, the versatile
Camila Saez has more than
a century of caps for Chile
and Esther Morgan penned a
two-year deal from Hearts to
link up with Wales international
team-mate Ella Powell.
15

Christie
Harrison-Murray
AUTOGRAPH
10

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
Finding her feet:
Libby Bance
Libby Bance on settling in,
facing old friends, and aiming high
A WARM WELCOME
When Birmingham City Women take
on Bristol City in tonight’s Women’s
League Cup tie, one player will have
more reason than most to relish the
occasion. For Libby Bance, the fixture
marks another step in her Blues
journey and a reunion with familiar
faces from her loan spell in the West
Country last season.
“I’m really enjoying it,” she says of her
early weeks at Blues. “It’s a great group
of girls who are all making me feel very
welcome. Obviously it helps that I know
a few of them and some of the staff
members too!”
LIFE IN BIRMINGHAM
Off the pitch, the 22-year-old is
enjoying a fresh start in a new city.
“I’ve got myself my own place now
which is great. Getting to know the
surroundings! I’ve been out to eat a
couple of times, I went to a place called
Tiger Bites Pig in town. It’s an Asian
restaurant which was really good.”
Settling quickly has been a priority.
“Once you’ve got that balance,
knowing where you’re living, knowing
where you’re going, it allows you to focus
fully on the football.”
ON LOAN AND LOOKING FORWARD
Bance is spending the season at St.
Andrew’s on loan from her parent
club, Brighton & Hove Albion, where
she came through the academy and
made her senior breakthrough. The
move to Blues, she explains, was an
opportunity too good to turn down.
“A big part of the decision was knowing
this is a team pushing for promotion.
That’s something I really want to be
involved in. Coming here gives me the
chance to play regular football, to build
confidence again after injury, and to help
a squad with big ambitions. It felt like the
right place at the right time.”
For Birmingham, her arrival has added
energy and quality in midfield, while for
Bance it represents the next chapter of
a career that has already taken her from
the south coast to Scotland, Bristol and
now the Second City.
A DEBUT TO REMEMBER
Blues fans did not have to wait long to
see their new signing in action. Just
days after arriving, she made her debut
against none other than tonight’s
visitors, Bristol City, in the opening
round of the Barclays WLS2 season.
“It was great,” she recalls. “I wasn’t
necessarily expecting to play as I’d only
18

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
It’s a great
group of girls who
are all making me
feel very welcome.
19

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
They’ll come
out with a real
fight. It’s going to
be a good game.
20
been in for a few days. Obviously the team
was doing so well, so it was nice to be a part
of that and get a run out in front of the fans
– you could definitely hear them!”
The noise and encouragement from the
stands left a strong impression. “The
fans here are brilliant. You can feel the
atmosphere and the passion for the club.
For a player, that support makes a real
difference. It drives you on to work harder.”
FACING FAMILIAR FOES
If her debut brought her face to face
with former teammates, tonight’s fixture
offers the same.
“Playing them a few weeks ago will give
both teams an advantage, but also a
disadvantage,” she explains. “I know we were
very happy with the result but likewise I know
they’ll have been disappointed, so I’m sure
they’re going to come out with a real fight.
It’s going to be a good game.
“Being there last year I know some of the
girls and I know they’ll be really hungry to
push. They’ll want to push on and beat us
as they’ll still be feeling it from our game
against them. I can tell you that now!”
WORKING WITH FAMILIAR LEADERS
Another reason the move to Birmingham
felt natural was the chance to reunite
with staff who had been pivotal earlier in
her career.
“Yeah, I’m enjoying it. It feels like the old days
of Brighton,” she says with a smile. “Amy
knows me well from my time there, and she
has been brilliant since I arrived. Similarly,
Lee and V who I also played with there under
Amy too, so I’m enjoying it a lot having their
company here. They’ve helped me out a lot
with finding my feet. Amy is someone I can
confide in and speak to as well.”
The presence of Hope Powell as Technical
Director also adds to the sense of continuity.
Powell oversaw Bance’s early development at
Brighton and remains a respected mentor.
“When you know the people around you
trust you and know how you play, it helps

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
massively. They know how to get the best
out of me, and I know I can learn so much
more from them.”
BONDS IN THE DRESSING ROOM
Bance has quickly become part of the
squad’s tight-knit atmosphere.
“I also know Chelsea Cornet from playing
with her at Rangers. I’m close with Lucy
Newell and also Lily Crosthwaite – I sit next
to her in the changing room! Obviously it’s
still early days and I’m trying to get to know
everyone.”
She emphasises how important those bonds
are for building a winning side. “When you’re
close off the pitch, it shows on the pitch. You
trust each other, you fight for each other.”
AMBITION
For Bance, her loan spell at Blues is about
more than just playing minutes. It is a
chance to rebuild confidence, enjoy her
football again, and be part of a squad
with serious ambitions.
“A big thing for me is coming away to
develop. It’s about playing football and
enjoying it, especially coming off the back
of an injury. I want to find my feet again and
build some confidence.
“Coming to a team like Blues, who are
gunning for promotion, felt like a no brainer.
To have a really good chance at that is such
a cool experience and something amazing to
be part of. I want to be the best version of
myself and come away satisfied that I gave
my best in everything I did.”
21

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
THE BLUES AT HOME
22
B
lues Women have established St
Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as a
fortress in their opening two
home games of the season. The hosts
have picked up nine goals across two
games, cementing their reputation as one
of the most dangerous attacking sides in
the league.
GAME 1
BCFC Women v Bristol City Women (5-1)
GOAL 1 – Simone Magill
“Blues pushed forward once more and
Rebecca Holloway’s cross found Simone
Magill in the box, the Northern Irish forward
with the perfect touch to back-heel the
ball into the net for Birmingham’s first of
the afternoon.”
GOAL 2 – Simone Magill
“Just six minutes later, Blues doubled their
advantage. Some neat interplay down the
left between Veatriki Sarri and Holloway
Simone Magill scores against Bristol City
gave the latter space to deliver another
dangerous ball into the area, where Magill
was on hand to convert for her second of
the afternoon.”
GOAL 3 – Lily Crosthwaite
“Christie Harrison-Murray intercepted a loose
pass and found Lee Geum-min in acres of
space, the South Korean drove forward and
put newcomer Lily Crosthwaite through on
goal, providing a memorable score on debut
for the 22-year-old.”
GOAL 4 – Christie Harrison-Murray
“The ball found its way to the feet of captain
Christie Harrison-Murray outside the box,
who fired the ball into the top left corner to
extend Blues’ lead to 4-1.”
GOAL 5 – Batcheba Louis
“A loose exchange between the Bristol City
defenders gifted possession to the hosts,
and Batcheba Louis marked her debut with a
clinical finish.”

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
Veatriki Sarri makes it 1-0 against Newcastle
Batcheba Louis fires home for the Blues
The Blues celebrate a 4-2 win against Newcastle
GAME 2
BCFC Women v Newcastle United Women
(4-2)
GOAL 6 – Veatriki Sarri
“On nine minutes, Christie Harrison-Murray
won the ball high up the pitch and teed up
Veatriki Sarri, who unleashed a stunning leftfooted
strike from 25 yards into the bottom
corner to give the hosts the lead.”
GOAL 7 – Batcheba Louis
“Rebecca McKenna surged down the right
and swung in a dangerous cross. Newcastle
only cleared as far as the edge of the box,
where Batcheba Louis met it sweetly on the
volley, driving it low into the corner for 2–0.”
GOAL 8 – Lily Crosthwaite
“Louis forced a save from Femke Liefting,
winning a corner in the process. McKenna’s
delivery came back to her, and her second
cross picked out Crosthwaite, who finished
calmly for 3–0.”
GOAL 9 - Océane Hurtré
“A loose pass from Lois Joel fell to Océane
Hurtré, who struck first time to claim her first
goal for the Club and make it 4–1.”
23

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
BIRMINGHAM CITY
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
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or email Commercial@bcfc.com
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BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
Welcome to Blues News
We hope you enjoy this dedicated trivia section to help put your
noggin to the test with some tricky brain-busters about this
afternoon’s opponents and our own Blues heroes…
DO YOU KNOW ME...
How much do you know about our stars
wearing Royal Blue? This week we recall the
career of striker Simone Magill…
1. The Northern Ireland international was
promoted out of WSL 2 with which club in 2017?
2. Last season’s Player of the Year and Golden
Boot winner wears which squad number for us?
3. The 30-year-old striker scored Blues’
opening goals of the 2025/26 season.
True or false?
WORDSEARCH
Bonmati
Russo
Putellas
Can you find the names of some of this year’s shortlisted
names for the Ballon d’Or Feminin in the wordsearch below?
R H F F G Z I E D M
R U S S O T K Z G A
L P Z X A X E N G A
P L U M V U L O G N
S H N T G P L R J U
G O S L E C Y B G M
B D F B R L Q V V O
N O S M A I L L I W
H A R D E R E A Q K
Y E L T A C F W S O
Kelly
Williamson
Bronze
Harder
Fox
Maanum
Catley
Weir
26

YOU KNOW ME!
Can you identify this hattrick
of players, bosses
and former greats from
across women’s football?
KNOW YOUR
OPPONENTS
Put your knowledge of this afternoon’s
opponents to the test!
1. What is Bristol City’s nickname?
2. Where do tonight’s visitors play their
home games?
3. In which position did the club finish in
WSL 2 last season?
4. Who is the Head Coach of today’s
visitors?
5. Who scored for Bristol in the 5-1 defeat
to Blues earlier this month?
FRANKEN-BLUES…
BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
We’ve moulded the hair, eyes and mouth of a trio
of current Blues players into one face, but can
you identify what belongs to who?
ANSWERS: KNOW YOUR OPPONENTS: 1. The Robins, 2. Ashton Gate, 3. 6th in the WSL 2, 4. Charlotte Healy, 5. Maria Farrugia. GETTING TO KNOW. 1. Everton Women, 2. Number 9, 3. True (in the 7th and 13th minute against Bristol City).
FRANKEN-BLUES: Rebecca Holloway (Eyes), Lily Crosthwaite (Hair), Rebecca McKenna (Mouth). YOU KNOW ME: 1. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea goalkeeper), 2. Aitana Bonmati (Spain Ballon d’Or winner), 3. Jonatan Costas (OL Lyonnes manager).
27

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
28
FIXTURES & RESULTS 2025/26
DATE KO OPPONENT F/A COMP ATT STARTING XI
SEPTEMBER 2025
SUN 7 14:00 BRISTOL CITY H 5-1 BARCLAYS WSL2 THOMAS MCKENNA COOKE NEWELL HOLLOWAY CROSTHWAITE 1 CORNET
SUN 14 14:00 SUNDERLAND A 1-1 BARCLAYS WSL2 THOMAS MCKENNA COOKE HERRON HOLLOWAY CROSTHWAITE CORNET
SUN 21 14:00 NEWCASTLE UNITED H 4-2 BARCLAYS WSL2 THOMAS MCKENNA COOKE HERRON HOLLOWAY CORNET HARRISON-MURRAY
TUE 24 19:00 BRISTOL CITY H WOMEN’S LC
SUN 28 16:00 SHEFFIELD UNITED A BARCLAYS WSL2
OCTOBER 2025
SUN 5 14:00 SOUTHAMPTON H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 12 14:00 IPSWICH TOWN A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 19 14:00 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR A WOMEN’S LC
NOVEMBER 2025
SUN 2 14:00 CHARLTON ATHLETIC H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 9 14:00 NOTTINGHAM FOREST A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 16 14:00 PORTSMOUTH H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 23 14:00 ASTON VILLA A WOMEN’S LC
DECEMBER 2025
SUN 7 14:00 CRYSTAL PALACE A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 15 14:00 DURHAM H BARCLAYS WSL2
JANUARY 2026
SUN 11 14:00 NEWCASTLE UNITED A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 25 14:00 PORTSMOUTH A BARCLAYS WSL2
FEBRUARY 2026
SUN 1 14:00 NOTTINGHAM FOREST H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 8 12:00 DURHAM A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 15 14:00 CRYSTAL PALACE H BARCLAYS WSL2
MARCH 2026
SUN 15 14:00 SOUTHAMPTON A BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 22 14:00 SHEFFIELD UNITED H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 29 14:00 BRISTOL CITY A BARCLAYS WSL2
APRIL 2026
SUN 5 14:00 SUNDERLAND H BARCLAYS WSL2
SUN 26 14:00 IPSWICH TOWN H BARCLAYS WSL2
MAY 2026
1,2 OR 3 TBD CHARLTON ATHLETIC A BARCLAYS WSL2
*ALL FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
SUB 1 SUB 2 SUB 3 SUB 4 SUB 5 UNUSED SUBS
HARRISON-MURRAY 1 SARRI GEUM-MIN MAGILL 2 QUINN BANCE LOUIS 1 HERRON BAKER HARRIS, HURTE, FRANCH, MANNU
HARRISON-MURRAY SARRI 1 LOUIS MAGILL NEWELL HURTE JI HARRIS, MCGOWAN, QUINN, BANCE, FRANCH, BAKER
CROSTHWAITE 1 JI SARRI 1 LOUIS 1 QUINN HURTE 1 BANCE BAKER HARRIS, NEWELL, MCGOWAN, FRANCH, MANNU
29

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
ROLL CALL & LEAGUE TABLE
League FA Cup League Cup
Name APPS/GLS APPS/GLS APPS/GLS
Lucy Thomas 1/0 0/0 0/0
Adrianna Franch 0/0 0/0 0/0
Poppy Irvine 0/0 0/0 0/0
Martha Harris 0/0 0/0 0/0
Rebecca Holloway 3/0 0/0 0/0
Rebecca McKenna 3/0 0/0 0/0
Shannon Cooke 3/0 0/0 0/0
Neve Herron 2(1)/0 0/0 0/0
Ebonie Locke 0/0 0/0 0/0
Lucy Newell 1(1)/0 0/0 0/0
Christie Harrison-Murray 3/1 0/0 0/0
Chelsea Cornet 3/0 0/0 0/0
Lily Agg 0/0 0/0 0/0
Lucy Quinn 0(2)/0 0/0 0/0
Oceane Hurtre 0(2)/1 0/0 0/0
Veatriki Sarri 3/2 0/0 0/0
Simone Magill 2/2 0/0 0/0
Tegan McGowan 0/0 0/0 0/0
Ava Baker 0(2)/0 0/0 0/0
Lee Geum-min 1/0 0/0 0/0
Lily Crosthwaite 3/2 0/0 0/0
Batcheba Louis 2(1)/2 0/0 0/0
Libby Bance 0(2)/0 0/0 0/0
Ji Soyun 1(1)/0 0/0 0/0
30
# Team Pld W D L F A GD Pts
1 Birmingham City Women 3 2 1 0 10 4 6 7
2 Sunderland Women 3 2 1 0 7 2 5 7
3 Charlton Athletic Women 3 2 1 0 3 1 2 7
4 Bristol City Women 3 2 0 1 4 5 -1 6
5 Southampton Women 3 1 1 1 8 5 3 4
6 Crystal Palace Women 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4
7 Newcastle United Women 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
8 Durham Women 3 1 0 2 4 4 0 3
9 Nottingham Forest Women 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3
10 Portsmouth Women 3 1 0 2 1 4 -3 3
11 Sheffield United Women 3 0 1 2 1 6 -5 1
12 Ipswich Town Women 3 0 1 2 0 5 -5 1

BLUES VS BRISTOL CITY
Live every week on YouTube.
31

THE TEAMS
MANAGER: AMY MERRICKS
1 LUCY THOMAS GK
2 MARTHA HARRIS
4 LUCY NEWELL
6 SHANNON COOKE
7 LEE GEUM-MIN
9 SIMONE MAGILL
10 C. HARRISON-MURRAY
11 TEGAN MCGOWAN
12 LILY AGG
15 REBECCA HOLLOWAY
16 LILY CROSTHWAITE
17 LUCY QUINN
18 REBECCA MCKENNA
19 CHELSEA CORNET
22 OCEANE HURTRE
23 LIBBY BANCE
24 ADRIANNA FRANCH GK
27 VEATRIKI SARRI
29 BATCHEBA LOUIS
30 NEVE HERRON
32 AVA BAKER
36 EBONIE LOCKE
38 POPPY IRVINE GK
91 JI SOYUN
HEAD COACH: CHARLOTTE HEALY
1 FRAN BENTLEY GK
2 ELLA POWELL
3 GEMMA LAWLEY
4 SILLIE STRUCK
5 SOPHIE INGLE
6 LIA O’LEARY
8 VICKY LOSADA
9 RIO HARDY
10 LEXI LLOYD-SMITH
13 EMILY MUTCH GK
14 MARI WARD
16 EMILY SYME
17 JESS ZIU
18 MALAIKA MEENA
19 MARIA FARRUGIA
20 ESTHER MORGAN
21 MARINE DAFEUR
24 CAMILA SAEZ
23 VERA JONES
41 HARLEY BENNETT
45 ISSI HEBARD
38 MANON PEARCE
99 NAOMI WILLIAMS GK
63 OLIVIA HIBBERT-JOHNSON
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE:
ADEWUNMI SONEYE
ASSISTANT REFEREES:
GEORGIA BALL
FIYINFOLUWA ALADELUSI
FOURTH OFFICIAL:
CALLUM JONES
NEXT UP
Barclays WSL2
Sunday 5 Oct 2025
Kick-off 2pm
St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park